The 2 of us are thinking of taking in Laos on our 3 week travels to Vietnam & Cambodia, what I want to know is if the train journey from Bangkok to Vietianne is OK and reliable, does it leave from Bangkok's massive train station, the only one I know is the one I have taken the surat thani train from.
Is it OK to buy tickets on arrival or shall I book in advance bearing in mind the time of year going?
From Vietianne we would probably go to LP and then from there on to hanoi, can anyone suggest an ideal route and itineray, perhaps staying in Laos for 3-5 days?
We have looked at flights but they depart very soon after we arrive in Bangkok, it gives us 1 hour between transfers, not sure if this would be enough time to get bags and check in, has anyone done this before with little time. the only other way we can see is getting the 20-45 overnight train.
What is the best way to get to Hanoi from Laos, bearing in mind we may be in LP and short for time?
If we have been through Laos (VT & LP) do we really need to go to Hanoi & Ha Long or is there a better way to skip N Vietnam and get half way down t perhaps Da Nang, any suggestions welcome?
If we decide to go to Laos, what are the MUST do's that you have found un-missable and tell everyone about?
Many thanks in advance.
Check out Seat 61: it covers all the issues and answers all the questions you raise.
The train doesn't go directly to VTE. It stops on this side of the border, at Nong Khai, if I remember correctly. But it's fairly easy and painless to get across the border. You won't be the only one, and people will be waiting for you, willing and happy to lead you in the right direction.
Regarding booking tickets in advance, you might want to think about it if you are going at a busy time. When I went, tickets were a bit tight. Had to hang around the ticket office, waiting for cancellations. In the end, some first class tickets came up. If they hadn't, I'd have been just as happy with 2nd class AC sleepers. If you do want to book in advance, see seat 61 for details on agents.
"bearing in mind the time of year going"
...which you didn't say(?) When are you planning to take this trip?
Trains to Nong Khai leave Bangkok's Hualamphong station (the "massive" one that you remember).
Getting from LP to Hanoi, you definitely should fly. The overland options can take a full 24hrs and there are many rough ride stories, obstacles, delays (and sometimes it's just a LONG ride).
Otherwise, go down to Savannakhet in Laos and then get a bus over highway 9 to the Lao Bao border. Then you can do southern Vietnam and not deal so much with the very hilly northern borders. If you only give Laos 4-5 days you may regret it (southern Laos is very relaxed and charming). Enjoy!
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<hr>The 2 of us are thinking of taking in Laos on our 3 week travels to Vietnam & Cambodia, what I want to know is if the train journey from Bangkok to Vietianne is OK and reliable, does it leave from Bangkok's massive train station, the only one I know is the one I have taken the surat thani train from.<hr></blockquote>
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<hr>Is it OK to buy tickets on arrival or shall I book in advance bearing in mind the time of year going?<hr></blockquote>
There is a daily 8:45PM sleeper train but it does NOT always leave or arrive on time. More recently in mid-May, we arrived around 10AM, a full hour after it's scheduled arrival. So, if you're planning a tight schedule or transfer, you'd do better to take the overnight VIP bus from Khao San Road or the Mochit Bus Station. The one that leaves from KSR arrives by 6AM [once we had a driver on speed and he arrived at 4:30AM with nothing for us to do but wait until 6am to let us off for breakfast]. The Lao border opens at 6:30 but sometimes a little later and if you don't already have a Lao visa, you'll have to wait another half hour until the same bus that's headed to Vientiane and ultimately to Vang Vieng arrives at Friendship Bridge.
If travelling anytime during holidays, esp. the western or Thai/Lao New Year [Songkran/Pi Mai Lao] the train is usually booked out well in advance. Weekends can also be booked out earlier.
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<hr>We have looked at flights but they depart very soon after we arrive in Bangkok, it gives us 1 hour between transfers, not sure if this would be enough time to get bags and check in, has anyone done this before with little time. the only other way we can see is getting the 20-45 overnight train.<hr></blockquote>
Sorry but one hour is too risky at any airport to make a connection. Suvarnabhumi International is less than a year old and has had a fair amount of problems.
More answers later.
Given you are short for time, I'd skip Vientiane and fly straight to Luang Prabang. You'll appreciate the extra time there. If you do want to go to Vientiane then take the Air Asia flight
the train from Bangkok does not leave from the main station (Hualampong) but from another on the northern end of town.
Three weeks for Vietnam and Cambodia and you're thinking of taking in Laos? I'd advise against it. Get a low cost Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Hanoi (there are two flights per day) and see how far you get in those three weeks. BTW, Air Asia flies from Suvannabhum, the new airport.
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<hr>the train from Bangkok does not leave from the main station (Hualampong) but from another on the northern end of town.<hr></blockquote>
How reliable is your info, GA?
I agree with #6 - 3 weeks isn't enough time to enjoy all of those places - you'll just spend all of your time in transit.
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<hr>The 2 of us are thinking of taking in Laos on our 3 week travels to Vietnam & Cambodia, what I want to know is if the train journey from Bangkok to Vietianne is OK and reliable, does it leave from Bangkok's massive train station, the only one I know is the one I have taken the surat thani train from.<hr></blockquote>
Yes, its reliable, sometimes a little late but comfortable and gets you to Laos nice and Earlie
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<hr>Is it OK to buy tickets on arrival or shall I book in advance bearing in mind the time of year going?<hr></blockquote>
I would buy at least the day before but certainly by the morning you want to leave.
The train goes in the evening and the air con beds are likely to be gonna if you just rock up at the last minute
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<hr>From Vientiane we would probably go to LP and then from there on to Hanoi, can anyone suggest an ideal route and itinerary, perhaps staying in Laos for 3-5 days?<hr></blockquote>
Vientiane can be done in a day.
Some people do take a morning bus to Vangvieng for a days tubbing (2 night) then a morning/afternoon bus back to Vientiane to get the night bus to Vietnam
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<hr>We have looked at flights but they depart very soon after we arrive in Bangkok, it gives us 1 hour between transfers, not sure if this would be enough time to get bags and check in, has anyone done this before with little time. the only other way we can see is getting the 20-45 overnight train.<hr></blockquote>
If its a flight from bkk to Laos (Vientiane) you are as well to get the train, you can sleep and rest, save money on flight and accommodation.
I think your 1 hour transferee might be tight but if you contact you flight provider they can tell you.
If you do decide to fly, missing Vientiane and going straight from BKK to Langpra Bang would be good as it is a far more attractive town.
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<hr>What is the best way to get to Hanoi from Laos, bearing in mind we may be in LP and short for time?<hr></blockquote>
Fly.
To go from Vientiane to Hanoi by bus is dull & 24 hours
Personally here would be my choice of 2 options, you need to decide how many days you want to spend as you know what floats your boat. I am just offering a destination order
First suggestion - if you can get connecting flights
destination 1 - arrive BKK, fly to Langra Bang
des 2 - Langpra bang bus to Vangvieng (6 hour mornig or after noon bus 105,000 kip)
des 3 - Vangvieng to Vientiane (4 hour morning or afternoon bus 60,000 kip)
fly Vientaine to siam reap/pp
Second suggestion
des1, bkk & over night train to non Khai - Vientiane (arrive in Vientiane after customers etc about 10am)
des vientiane to vang vieng (4 hour morning or afternoon bus 60,000 kip)
vang vieng to langpra bang (6 hour morning bus 105,000 kip)
then fly Langra bag to Siam Reap/pp
Drop Vietnam and enjoy Laos and Cambodia
Either one can be done in reverse.
Vientiane only needs 1 day & 1 night
Vangvieng at least 1 full day for tubbing & 1 or 2 half days for caves (2 nights) but some people stay longer depending what you like.
LP as long as you like
Have a good trip
Nic
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<hr>the train from Bangkok does not leave from the main station (Hualampong) but from another on the northern end of town. <hr></blockquote>
Yes, it can be caught north of town but I've taken the train over half a dozen time and it always departs from Hualamphong and arrives mid-morning [not early] in Nong Khai.
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